Words and photos from Gizmo Racing Yamaha
BEST Result of the Season in BAMA!
Round 10 in Birmingham, Alabama delivered ideal weather for a night of racing, but the track itself proved to be very challenging. Its rocky base quickly broke down, creating extremely technical and demanding conditions for all riders.
This event also marked the first of three 250 Class “Showdowns,” bringing together competitors from both the East and West divisions. With double the talent on the gate, the intensity increased significantly raising the pace and tightening the gaps across the field.
In the 250 Class, both Keegan Rowley and CJ Benard successfully qualified into their respective Heat Races. Despite aggressive efforts in those races, both riders were ultimately pushed into the LCQ. A few costly mistakes there resulted in 18th and 20th place finishes, preventing them from advancing to the Main Event.
Valentin Guillod continued to manage a shoulder injury sustained at the previous round, which limited his ability to perform at the level he has shown in earlier qualifying sessions.
In the 450 Class, Freddie Noren faced adversity early after a mistake in his Heat Race sent him to the LCQ. He secured a strong Top 3 start but encountered setbacks on the opening lap, forcing him to charge back through the field. Demonstrating determination, he fought his way into a transfer position to qualify for the Main Event.
In the Main Event, Freddie delivered a standout performance, riding consistently and earning his best result of the season with a 16th place overall finish.
Freddie Noren #63 – Freddie said, “Good weekend and solid points. Wasn’t a flashy weekend but consistent and just logged my laps!”
Valentin Guillod #39 – Valentin had this to say after the race, “My shoulder was still too painful to go faster. I’ll do my best to heal as fast as I can, to ride good in Detroit.”
CJ Benard #775 – CJ said after the Event, “Made the night show but I need to be better had a fall in the heat and I was to patient in the opening laps in the LCQ so I need to work on that but I know my speeds there just need to put it all together.”
Keegan Rowley #900 – “Overall great day at the races. The field was stacked so I’m super happy to be in. I was happy with my heat race speed but the LCQ wasn’t were I wanted to be.”, is what Keegan had to say after the Event.
